Las Vegas Advice

[Steve]

This week's "Topic Of The Week" question comes from Linda:


What is the BEST piece of advice someone who had been to VEGAS gave you BUT you did not use and should have???

What advice would YOU give to someone going to Las Vegas for the first time?

[54hoppin]

Someone told me to get a players card and to use it. I didn't. My advice to all Steve's readers is this. Get the Players card, use it. Charge everything you can to your room and at the end of your stay, call a host and see what he or she can do for you. I like to do it the last night of my stay, if they ask you if you are going to play at their casino the last night, tell them that depends on what they can do for you now. It works, haven't paid for a room in Vegas for years. I am not a high roller, just know how to work the comp system. 54hoppin www.acejackvegas.com

[Calcat]

Where COMFORTABLE shoes. Don't worry about what they look like, just make very, very sure that they're the most comfortable ones you have! That's also the advise that "I" should have listened to, but didn't! Boy did "I" learn the hard way!! :eek:

Deb

[nancyrodeo]

The best advice I would give is wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a lot of walking - distance is very deceiving in Vegas

Nancy from Ontario

[diana-al]

get a rental car-they really don't cost that much depending on when it is-you
will enjoy your vacation so much more-easy parking at the casinos & you can
even do a little drive thru the desert & mountain which is a lot of fun-for 4
nights we got a mid-size for as low as $89 & as high as $130-well worth it!!!

[leighw55]

We have been to Vegas once a year for the last 6 years. Everyone told us to eat at the Rio buffet and we finally tried it on our last trip. It was well worth the shuttle ride from Harrah's to go to it. That was the best buffet we have ever eaten at and the price was not bad either, especially with the coupons.

I also started signing up for the players club cards and have had many free perks from it. We are by no means high rollers, but I have been given free room nights, free meals, and even a little cash back. You are going to gamble anyway, so you may as well get any comps you can out of it.

[VivaLasVegas]

I'd advise a first time visitor to pace themselves and see what they can see instead of trying to see it all. You will be back to Vegas :)

[deemaxx95]

Must join players clubs, at any hotel you intend to gamble in. Pays for meals and more. Renting a car is nice, if you want to go to the Valley of Fire or Hoovers, but I found public transportation, taxi's and busses more effecient. Also above all dress for the month you are visiting. It does get cold in Las Vegas. It even snowed one year when we were there for Christmas.

[CathyS]

I have to agree with all posts so far . . . I initially ignored the comfortable shoe warning and paid the price. I normally take alot of shoes and find that switching pairs helps preserve my feet.

I, too, agree about the players cards. We always use them and even though we are not high rollers, we never pay for our rooms and get food and beverage comps plus cash back at the end of our stay.

[jslocke52]

Plan the gambling as an expense and budget accordingly. Assume that the house has the edge. The strategy games, such as video poker and blackjack, have the smallest house edge when played well, but the largest house edge when played poorly. Learn and use the "book" strategy. Don't go by hunches. Don't bother to learn "card counting" strategies for blackjack. Successful card counters are identified and escorted away from the blackjack tables. The casino bars have built in video poker machines and drinks are comped if you play. Choose a quarter machine, limit your play, use good strategy, and you should be able to get your drink for a dollar or two. Be careful, if you stay for a few drinks, your play may degrade and you may lose more than you planned to lose.

[KenoCaryl]

:) I totally agree with all the posts. When we first started going to Vegas Many years ago, I had no clue what was "up"...(Player's cards and etc)
Have not paid for Rooms, or food for many many years...The answer is: Let them know u r there! The "Player's Card" is the magic trick..We are by no means " Big Gamblers" but, it seems like as long as they know u r there..they want to keep u happy, and have u come back!!..There are also many perks other than foood, and rooms, and they will come your way!!
KenoCaryl:)

[iam4nd]

We always advise those going for the first time to walk the strip and "see" it. Take their time and take in what they can. Make a list of the free attractions before they go and get to those they can. Don't rush because you will most likely be going back anyway;) . Downtown can come next and then the outlying properties.

Lot of folks told us to go see "Sigfreid and Roy". We procrastinated for years, always going to other shows, figuring we'd get to S & R eventually. Of course we didn't, and missed one of the Las Vegas legends:( . Since then we've made it a point to see some of the older entertainment, like Wayne Newton, Clint Holmes, Splash, Jubilee, and others. This has worked out well for us.

[brouff]

Three quick pieces of advice:

1. Never play slots at the airport.
2. Don't eat at the Circus Circus buffet.
3. Stay away from the Stratosphere rides when the wind is blowing.

4. (Bonus advice) - Remember, prostitution is illegal in Clark County (which
includes Las Vegas).

Brian Rouff
Author/"Dice Angel"

[debbiebeigh]

I, too, emphasize getting a players card before you ever put a coin or bill into a machine, or step up to a table. Don't be impatient if there's a line; those machines will be there when you get through the line. Also, get enough sleep. It's tempting to want to see and do everything, but as many people have said, you will be back to Vegas.

[redstar]

Budget: I now split our money into envelopes (per day). When we were young I remember having a nickel left on the plane. Of course then credit cards weren't so available. We were a newly married couple and my husband had to leave his watch with the taxi driver until we ran into our friends house to get the taxi driver some money.

No matter how late you arrive...get a room. Now that I am old(er), I went down with 12 ladies and we all agreed since we were arriving at 11 pm we wouldn't need a room the first night and we could party all night. HA....after working all day, the plane flight, I was dying by 7 am. The pool area was closed and I couldn't even flop out on a pool chair. They wouldn't let us in our rooms until check-in time but told us to come back at 10 am and perhaps there was something they could do. I SURE WISH I WAS 25 YEARS OLD AGAIN!!!! :D

[beckw925]

The first piece of advice I give to 1st timers is dont book a package deal with air and hotel. Do the math and you will see you can almost always do better with the hotel web site.
That said, book at a hotel that is not 4* - just visit! Spend your money in other areas, like food now that it is not cheap and it is amazing.
Find where the locals eat - BEST mexican restaurant is Lindo Michendo (sp?) on Sahara, way east. That is worth the rental car alone.
Ge the card, for sure, but get 2 cards in 1 name to build up points faster.
People watch - great fun.

And, most importantly - GO! stop putting it off! Relax, enjoy all the parts of Vegas.
Becky

[TommiR]

Do your homework. If you're here and you're a first timer than you are getting a good start.

All of the suggestions are good ones.

Believe in the comp system and talk to a host face to face, they are all great people (at least the ones I have met) and really are there to make your stay better. They can't say no to something you don't ask for. Once you establish a relationship, it doesn't hurt to send a gift before your next trip (it has paid off BIG for me). Call them for the reserevation. Tell your friends to ask for your host and use your name. I am a low roller and only make it 1-2 times a year to Vegas but my host knows me and even commented on how many people have used my name when calling him. My 9 day stay this year cost next to nothing.

Leave money in your car to get it out of the airport parking lot (almost had this problem one year)

Relax and have fun, what you don't do ths time you can do next time.

[King of Kurtopia]

If you go to Vegas once....you will end up going again and again. Plan on that, and you can make your next trip(s) much cheaper.

Play the comp game, and don't be afraid to ask for comps. Get yourself an airline credit card (just pay it off in full each month). We go 4 times a year and 2 out of 4 trips are free.

Do most of your gaming in the hotel you are registered. Also, find out when the casino's 24 hour day starts. If it starts at midnight, and you arrive at 11:00PM, wait until after midnite to play or your average daily play will go way down.

Stay away from 6/5 Blackjack and short pay VP.

Kurt

[yankeeblue]

our first visit, I got advice from these boards and everyone told us to stay away from the IP buffet. Did we listen? No......and it was the worst meal we have ever had in Vegas. the place was dirty and stinky and the food, cold, slimy and gross. Of course, this is back when the old man was still alive... about 5 years ago...
We should have listened...:(

[MIKE]

This week's "Topic Of The Week" question comes from Linda:


What is the BEST piece of advice someone who had been to VEGAS gave you BUT you did not use and should have???

What advice would YOU give to someone going to Las Vegas for the first time?
When I fist went to Vegas in 1966 I was told not to drink if I was fixin to win. The house has a big enough edge without us making it bigger by drinking.And don't stay and lose a $100. while waiting for your free drink to arrive. If you are going to drink play the slots and you may get lucky .. Good luck.

[YJAJJ]

What is the BEST piece of advice someone who had been to VEGAS gave you BUT you did not use and should have???

What advice would YOU give to someone going to Las Vegas for the first time?[/COLOR][/SIZE][/QUOTE]

Well fellow fun seekers - I have not seen one good suggestion for a first timer! Maybe a few but you need to first decied what the trip is for!

I never did and got blown away and did not budget properly and did less then I wanted to!

Fun & Shows? Whats your budget - research the shows with-in that budget!

Fun & Slots? All luck and money burners! Big house %! Play a budgeted amount for fun only!

Fun & table games? What game? buy a book or two learn the basices of the game or games you would like to play!

Learn a money management plan and don't change - to many have lost it all the hour they got off the plane! I was close!!!

Now your ready - make sure you sign up for a player card - at the casino you gamble at - maybe it will get you some freebeees but never ever play for freebees - it will cause you to gamble more then you should!
I started out @ $5.00 tables - now $100.00 but I'm not sure I'm having more fun then when I was at $5 tables!

The first day will be one of amazment - take a look around - but try and do some research in the areas your interested in - so you don't spin your wheels!

Don't ever use a debit care to get more money if you run out chasing lost money just loses more!

Don't forget two things - your there for fun - run out of money and it ain't fun

And last all those billion dollar casinos were bulit on LOSERS!!!

God Bless Good Luck - and have fun - jim j

[The Gumbo Man]

The best advice I was ever given about Las Vegas was in the words of a band called "The Tubes", who advised "Don't fall in love... if you do then you'll find out she don't love you..." I fully admit, openly, that I am in Love with Las Vegas. I can't think of any place I'd rather go. When I'm not there, I think about going, what I'd do, where I'd go, where I'd EAT... oh yeah, I think about it. A Lot. And it was the Big "E" who told us "If you see it once, you'll never come home again!!!" True. So much as I'm considering a small retirement place of my own in Henderson.
The best advice I can give anybody going to Las Vegas is to make a real effort to visit the small, quaint places, the older establishments. Any place with a low table minimum, cheap drinks and bar maids with more than ample talents and teensy provacative costumes. Because it will more than likely not be there the next time you come back. I remember some outrageously good times at places that are only seen in photographs, or maybe you heard of in some old story someplace.
There was this place on the corner of Flamingo and the strip. The built it as The Aladdin. But then somebody built an even bigger Aladdin, so this place got renamed "The Dunes". It was a large place, just about the size of the lake in front of the Bellagio. They didn't talk much about the name change, but you could tell, though, because the swimming pool was a gigantic block letter "A"... and babes would lay on towels on the cement center of the A. It was tropical and a better Sahara style than the Sahara had itself. I learned Pai Gow Poker there. Fabulous place. They tore it down and replaced it with the lake in front of the Bellagio.
I remember a place called "Vegas World". It had the only space-related casino in Vegas, with large replicas of actual non-fictional space craft and brave astronauts in space suits. The bar maids were "orbit girls" who dressed in a Judy Jetson sort of way, only waaay hotter.:rolleyes: Bob Stupak owned the place and it was really a load of fun. They tore it down and put in the Stratosphere in the empty space. I won over 6 grand on the very spot where that dang pointy tower thingy got stuck.
I saw a very elderly yet still incredible Frank Sinatra at the Desert Inn. Gone. Now it's Wynn. And you can't. Not there. Bad mojo come from big fake mountain! Mongo take sheckels and play elsewhere!
I remember the last time I had the breakfast at the Westward Ho. Gone. Soon to be someplace very expensive and condos for very rich people.
There was a great cigar shop next to the original Little Caesar's Casino. which got destroyed when part of the Dunes fell on it. That spot is now Paris. The cigar store moved to the Boardwalk, which had the cheapest, worst, 24 hour buffet, "The Surf". The coffee was great at 3 aM, That's all I remember. Now thats flattened. Another mega-resort soon to be built. And more condos. The cigar shop became a small booth in the Internet Cafe, across the street from where the Boardwalk was, in a Hawaiian Village looking area. I think they call it "The Hawaiian Village". They used to have an outdoor restauranmt with a hookah pipe on every table. Tharas gone now, but the village still stands. A surprise considering the history of the cigar shop. Anyaway, if you're so disposed, you might drop by and buy a couple of cigars, help the guy out.
Downtown looks pretty safe for a while. I think the main dome covered mall area will become a museum, a "ghost of Vegas Past" but the outer areas, the Lady Luck, probably the Cortez, they'll be gone soon. Probably more shopping, and more freakin' condos.
My father spent his happiest times in the sports book at the Stardust. And now its gone. :(

So that's my advice, kiddies. See it while you can! Get those 50 cent well drinks at Casino Royale, Get your cowboy on at Wild Wild West. And the Frontier. I know the Riviera and slots o fun will vanish, as will the Azttec, Jerry;s Nugget and all the outlying places that will cave in and become another Stations property. It won't be there at all by 2008 and the whole place will be no fun at all by 2010.:mad:

[dreamcatcheril]

advice
you will research and shop for a car. until you drop
you will research and shop for a TV. until you drop

Your about to hand over the car payment for that car you did research on,,, why not do some reading on how to lower the house odds

Going to play black jack
read a book on basic strategy, You can buy one for $6.00 and buy a cheet card to use at the table when your playing. I can't tell you how many people I see that say they know how to play black jack but don't know basic strategy... I am not talking card counting just basic strategy.. for those black jack players that don't know basic strategy ... I am inviting you to my casino... and thanking you in advance

[cindyinnj]

My cousin gave me a great idea. When you're in Vegas with three or more people, you start your day with a "kitty". Money you would all spend on taxi fares, tips, and small meals like breakfast and lunch. You all put in the same amount of money into the kitty. Let's say you all put in $30 each at the start of the day. One person holds the kitty and that's the money you use to pay for the taxi's, tips, etc. This way nobody fights to say..."This is on me, or let me pay for that, or ..Hey, I paid for the taxi last time now it's your turn..hehe " etc. Usually this kitty lasts for one day, next morning you do it again. Great way to have your money handled without wondering who's turn it is to pay for the taxi or meal!;)

[kidgarfield]

Eat at the Rio Buffet,
I give them a "free day in Vegas" a tour of the free attractions and must see casinos, take lip balm and eye drops-it's a dry heat and comfy shoes and don't be afraid to take a light jacket, especially for showrooms and obnoxiously cold casino floors at certain times of the year.

[teppy1954]

I absolutely love this town, but there are some basics.

1. Get a comps card or two. I have one that is good at all Harrahs properties and one that is good at all MGM Mirage properties. You will be surprised what can be comp'ed with moderate play.

2. LV is not just the strip. Rent a car-see the city. There are amazing places within and outside the city-take a drive in the desert, see Red Rock, the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam-they're amazing. There is an amazing swap meet on Decatur just north of Sahara on the weekends that has great bargains at ridiculously low prices--plus you really get to meet the locals, who are among the friendliest people in the country (we have travelled extensively and found the citizens of LV to be the friendliest in the US)

3. Get a book and learn to play a table game or two. Slots are nice if you really don't care to lose your budget every day. Blackjack takes a while to learn but provides your best chance to win. Learn craps, it is an absolute blast: one lively table can provide both thrills and entertainment for an evening. I am not a great lover of Poker-but it is in style right now.

4. Try the buffets at the Rio, and the Aladdin for top end fill-ups. If you have the dough try Emeril's Fish at the MGM or Emerils Delmonico at the Venetian, or Craft Steak or Nob Hill or...you get the picture, if you watch Food Network or Bravo you need to try the cuisine of a celebrity chef or two. Unless you live in New York or LA it is unlikely you will get to try this stuff anywhere else. (Leave your diet behind-do the damage while on vacation and then be good when you are at home) PS the 1 pound dog at Slots-of-Fun with a beer is pretty damn good. Too bad they took out the Westward Ho-the 1 buck margarita and nachos could keep me going for a few hours.

[Boston_Bill]

Best advice I received was to take it easy when arriving in Vegas. Try to relax before hitting the casino and the booze. Of course I never take this advice and Im burnt out by day three.

[luvmesumvegas]

I think everything is covered, but I would like to add one thing, make sure you understand the game you are playing. If it's a table game, understand the rules and if it's a slot, understand the lines and per line bet. Once you understand these basics then you will enjoy your gaming.

[Mr.C]

With all the glitter,sounds, food, booze,and gambling, it is hard to remember that there are people in LV, that will use these distractions to take advantage of you! Be alert, be safe, win big, and enjoy. Ps write a nice trip report.

[KenoMom]

I don't recall much advice when I first visited Vegas, but I was introduced through the downtown area, courtesy of my Hawaiian cousin who would get (in those days) wonderful rates that included airfare, hotel and all of her meals. In those days I had my own travel agency, so I would spend about $30 for a plane ticket and then to show my appreciation for the free hotel and food, would use my travel discount ($15 a day for a minivan). I can still remember getting annoyed at her friend who had the audacity to want to spend hours on end at the K-Mart or Target when I wanted to sit and hit jp after jp.

Those were the days and I can emphathize with the other writer who spoke of things like Vegas World.

My best advice to offer anyone is to be honest about what you want out of your trip. If you yearn for fine dining, top service, the best shows, then don't expect to do it on a $45 room rate. Be realistic about what you plan to do and what you plan to pay. I think that all too often people hear about all of the "comps" and other deals and they have a high expectation that it's going to happen that way for them also. It might, and yet it might not.

If you want to take a chance on comps, by all means charge it all to your hotel. But I think too many of us spread our playing around so if it's better on your budget, pay as you go and - at least the first time - be content with future offers.

One of the nicest things about starting my trips to Vegas in the downtown area is that I had no preconceived expectation. I had so much fun winning in those days that I think it was about 6 years before I even ventured on to the Strip!

[maeve]

Advice ignored - :mad: Make sure your cab doesn't go thru the tunnel. Forgot to tell the cabbie not to go thru the tunnel and guess where I ended up. Not a good start to my LV trip, arguing with a cabbie, but it paid off, he reduced the fare and I didn't tip him. Gave his tip to the cabbie that took me back to the airport, he was great.

My best advice - Take comfortable shoes---I did and my feet are still sore 26 days after I got home. Except for the casinos and restaurants, you'll walk miles on the strip without finding a place to sit.

[ASTIDIXIE]

;) Research.....research..........research!
Before you go for the first time.......look for all the possible information you can find! Free shuttles, free entertainment, just hunt all the sites!
The first time I went I knew NOTHING...........was completely shell shocked...:eek:

[pateboo]

Unless you have a lot of time to kill, take a taxi to your hotel from the airport as opposed to one of the cheaper shuttles. They wait until they're completely full no matter how long it takes to do so. And you're sitting in the heat, and YOUR hotel is always the last stop if your luck is anything like mine. Also, allow enough time for the busses if you need to be somewhere by a specific time. I didn't allow enough time once to get to my hotel from downtown, through the whole casino to get to my room to retrieve my show tickets, and back through the whole casino to get to another hotel to see the show. I missed part of the show because they wouldn't let me in until it reached a certain point. I too always tell people that distances are deceiving and destinations are not as close as they appear.

[ladyluck]

In addition to budgeting your money, make sure you have the Winners Bank with you so that you can put away your winnings. Basically it's a portable lockbox to put away your winnings, so that you won't lose it.

"Whatever you put in the bank, stays in the bank." :) brb...

Here it is: www.gohomeawinner.net

[STR8 FLUSH]

Well,
I guess everyone has given the best pointers of what to do to ENJOY LV, but what about SURVIVING LV? DO NOT forget to bring pain relievers, anti-acids, alka-seltzer, pepmo, and whatever you need for a quick pick me up. You are going to be stressing your body by eating too much and too rich foods. You may over do the drinking:p and will need something for the hangover. Your body will be sore from walking 3000 miles in one week. If you go in summer you will look like a piece of bacon if you do not take care. And if you buy any of the above at the hotel gift shop it will cost you double what you would pay for it back home.

James

[lvgecko]

Just a few more pieces of advice for the first-time Las Vegas visitor. Bring lotion - your skin will get dry! The lotions that are provided in most of the hotels are not up to the task of keeping your skin hydrated or are not enough quantity-wise.

And speaking of hydrated - drink LOTS of water, even if you're not thirsty. This is the desert and needs to be respected as such.

If you leave home without your lotion or other essentials, accidentally or on purpose, don't go to the hotel gift shop for them. I highly recommend the Walgreens on the strip for any item you might need - from personal experience, the prices are NOT jacked up, selection/variety is the same as all the Walgreens, and they have an extremely good selection of Las Vegas souvenirs at reasonable prices. I have no experience with any of the other drug store chains, so it may be the same with them.

If you have health/drug insurance, be sure to have your insurance card with you. From personal experience again (!), it makes it easy if you get sick and have to visit a physician and/or have prescriptions filled.

Lastly, as I've seen written over and over, and speaking from personal experience again ;) enjoy what you can and leave the rest for the next trip or the next or the next...

[MHIROTSU]

I hope not to repeat any of the other posts:

I was told to stay away from the Stratosphere's buffet, but a friend of mine was staying there and wanted to eat there, so we had the breakfast buffet. I'm sure this is no better than the Circus Circus buffet.

Advice for first timers (and anyone else for that matter):
1. Don't eat at more than 1 buffet per day. Your stomach will thank you. Alternative: Don't eat at more than 1 buffet for your entire stay. Your entire body will thank you.

2. Whatever amount of money you think you need, double it. I'm not kidding. One major reason for this is that people say that they would have seen a show, eaten at an expensive restaurant, etc., except they didn't have enough money. This is different than not affording the price, which I completely understand.

3. If you are staying at Mandalay Bay or Hard Rock (and maybe some other hotels), and plan to be at the pool, bring dark sunglasses so they don't catch you starring at the girls. Actually, bring sunglasses no matter what.

4. For the guys: Don't wear a Speedo swimsuit (even if you are from Europe). For the girls: Wear a thong bikini.

5. For the guys: If you go to Las Vegas by yourself, leaving the woman at home, bring triple the amount of money you thought you would need, because you WILL need to buy that expensive jewelry, handbag, etc. to take back to that special woman who said you could go to Las Vegas without her but really didn't mean it and she never thought in a million years that you'd go without her and you will pay the price, big time, if you fail to properly compensate her for your misguided ways. Yes, I said she consented to you going, but that doesn't change the advice. Trust me on this one.

6. Bring more than just 1 credit card. Such as 1 American Express and 1 Visa card or Master Card. I once had a problem where they couldn't "swipe" my American Express card. It would error out (come to find out that the merchant was supposed to enter that verification number on the card, but didn't do it). If you are maxed out on your credit card, you shouldn't be in Las Vegas in the first place.

7. Stay away from the beautiful woman, dressed to the nines, who comes up from out of the blue and starts talking to you like you are old friends. That conversation will cost you money along with getting you thrown in jail.

8. If you find that you don't like the Strip, take a trip downtown. And vice-versa.

9. Only see 2 or 3 (max) of the "big" hotels and casinos for the pupose of just sight seeing. After awhile, they all start to look alike. They really aren't alike and if you limit yourself you can savor the great qualities of each place. If you are gambling, you are probably oblivious to the way the place looks. Your major concerm is whether you made or lost money.

10. Last, there are other things to do in Las Vegas other than gamble. So if you aren't into gambling, you can still have fun there, but it will just take a little more work to find those things.

Mike

[polar]

Very sound advice Mike! Thoroughly enjoyed your post,Thanks

[Janine926]

if you go with other people, plan to split up so that everyone gets to do what they want. If not, there is a lot of time wasted by everyone waiting on the other people and make it clear ahead of time that no feelings will be hurt if someone just wants to get away for awhile and do their own thing.
Vacations are precious and everyone should be able to choose what they do, where they eat, shows they want to see and when they get up, go to bed etc....

[Eileen]

What advice would YOU give to someone going to Las Vegas for the first time?[/COLOR][/SIZE][/QUOTE]

Get a player's card wherever you play - even if it's just for a little while. Wear comfortable shoes. Carry a light sweater or jacket - always! Even when it's hot outside, it is freezing in the casinos. Ignore the porn pushers. Budget your money. Have a great time!!

Eileen

[HeyNow]

Plan the gambling as an expense and budget accordingly. Assume that the house has the edge. The strategy games, such as video poker and blackjack, have the smallest house edge when played well, but the largest house edge when played poorly. Learn and use the "book" strategy. Don't go by hunches. Don't bother to learn "card counting" strategies for blackjack. Successful card counters are identified and escorted away from the blackjack tables. The casino bars have built in video poker machines and drinks are comped if you play. Choose a quarter machine, limit your play, use good strategy, and you should be able to get your drink for a dollar or two. Be careful, if you stay for a few drinks, your play may degrade and you may lose more than you planned to lose.

Part of becoming a card counter is to disguise your play so they don't know you are counting cards. I've probably played 500 - 600 hours of blackjack in the last 6 years and I've never once seen anyone escorted from a table for counting. I've seen a few removed for dropping too many F-Bombs.

[HeyNow]

Budget: I now split our money into envelopes (per day). When we were young I remember having a nickel left on the plane. Of course then credit cards weren't so available. We were a newly married couple and my husband had to leave his watch with the taxi driver until we ran into our friends house to get the taxi driver some money.

No matter how late you arrive...get a room. Now that I am old(er), I went down with 12 ladies and we all agreed since we were arriving at 11 pm we wouldn't need a room the first night and we could party all night. HA....after working all day, the plane flight, I was dying by 7 am. The pool area was closed and I couldn't even flop out on a pool chair. They wouldn't let us in our rooms until check-in time but told us to come back at 10 am and perhaps there was something they could do. I SURE WISH I WAS 25 YEARS OLD AGAIN!!!! :D

that is funny, I did the same thing once and ended up getting a room at 7am. I was up at 7am East Coast time, worked all day, then flew out there and got to the Palms around 11PM. I hit the tables right away and I didn't get a room because I was thinking the exact same thing you were - drink and gamble all night and go into the room around noon the next day. By 6AM, I was dying. I was too tired to play anymore blackjack even after winning a few hundred. I walked over to the desk and asked about rooms, luckily it was a Wednesday night and they had some open.

The ironic part is that the last two trips I've had rooms when I got there at 11PM and never actually went to sleep until after Noon the next day.

I would definitely advise everyone that no matter what time of night you are getting there - get a room and don't try staying up all night without one because the time you don't get one is when you will want it the most.

[Jringo]

I would have to say the misconception that anything goes, re-enforced by the new "what happens in vegas stays in vegas" makes first timers think they can do ANYTHING..... it is true to a point, you can drink openly BUT only on the strip..... Prostitution is NOT legal in clark county. Hanging out the car window or sunroof yelling and carring on will get You pulled over. The police here love to do their job here, almost to eagerly. I have heard it said by several " Come to vegas on vacation, leave on probation"..... So take care so YOU are not what "Stays in Vegas"
:)



This week's "Topic Of The Week" question comes from Linda:


What is the BEST piece of advice someone who had been to VEGAS gave you BUT you did not use and should have???

What advice would YOU give to someone going to Las Vegas for the first time?

[LHEFFE]

Player cards are definitely a good idea BUT now, we only sign up if there is a bonus. Some of them give free play, or a t shirt, or a scratch card where you can win money, or something like that.

[misterKeno]

bring pepcid a.c. ?

[magicfish]

My advice for first timers, which I was given, and it worked well was....start walking BEFORE you leave for Vegas.
Make sure you build up walking time at home, then Vegas is not so bad on your feet.

Of course I agree with wearing comfortable shoes, wearing sunscreen and/or a hat, bringing a jacket (any time of year), but I also say bring chapstick or Carmex and carry it with you; also recommend bringing saline nasal spray - I have heard Vegas referred to as the "dry nose capital of the world"! :)

I also tell friends to drink PLENTY of water - and if you drink alcoholic drinks, drink even more water...but start with the water on the plane - flying dehydrates you too, and you should drink 8 oz. or more for every hour of flight.

My favorite advice for Vegas Virgins....stay mid strip, so that you can head out on foot in either direction. I am a big fan of rental cars in Vegas, but would never recommend one for a first timer.

[MonkeyMan]

My favorite advice for Vegas Virgins....stay mid strip, so that you can head out on foot in either direction. I am a big fan of rental cars in Vegas, but would never recommend one for a first timer.

Heard.

I have some friends who are talking about taking their first trip and are dismissing my advice that it is crucial to stay on the Strip. IMO, the slight increase in cost to stay at a property like Monte Carlo, Flamingo, Bally's or some of the low-market rooms at MGM more than pays for the cab fare to an off-strip hotel.

[magicfish]

Heard.

I have some friends who are talking about taking their first trip and are dismissing my advice that it is crucial to stay on the Strip. IMO, the slight increase in cost to stay at a property like Monte Carlo, Flamingo, Bally's or some of the low-market rooms at MGM more than pays for the cab fare to an off-strip hotel.


...and I believe that with research you can stay on the strip for about the same $$$'s!!!

[hipster818]

Relax when you get there. After a long drive, in our case, there is nothing better then relaxing in the room or by the pool for a little bit before doing anything.

Sign up for a comp card or two. There are like TBills they mature over time and the more you use them the better.

Get out and walk. There is so much to see and do on foot that you miss much if you cab it everywhere. Even walking around The Froum can take it our of you.

Make sure you have on good shoes. Your feet will thank you at night.

Find a somewhat quite spot and people watch - bar that has a good happy hour is best.

Have a lest one really good meal some where. Though my wife and I have a pretty good budget, but we always make sure to splurge for a nice diner at least once.

[Irishsis]

My husband is not really a "machine" player, but I told him ALWAYS due max bet if you play....well guess what, he was playing next to me awhile back and was just playing one quarter on VP, he hit the 4Aces with the kicker..NOTHING I think it paid 100 quarters or something like that....Lesson here ALWAYS play max bet on the machines.

Maureen